A man from Plymouth who sold fake MAC lipstick with dangerously high levels of lead has been handed a suspended sentence.

The fake lippy – called Lady Danger –was one of a number of counterfeit goods sold by Paul Lamerton on Ebay and Facebook.

Plymouth Magistrates’ Court heard that some of the lipsticks contained more than 300 times the legal amount of lead, and, if used regularly, could result in high blood pressure, cardiac, reproductive and neurological problems.

Catherine Fox, prosecuting on behalf of Plymouth City Council, added that if regularly used by pregnant women, the unsafe levels of lead could potential cause neurological damage to unborn babies.

Lamerton, currently of Traine Villas, Modbury, pleaded guilty to seven offences committed between 2012 and 2016.

The counterfeit items seized from Paul Lamerton's home (Image: Plymouth City Council)

The 47-year-old, who was living in the Stoke area of Plymouth at the time, sold fake MAC lipsticks and mascara and fake children’s Minion and Barbie watches online.

Trading Standards received intelligence that the fake goods were being sold and raided Lamerton’s address in June last year.

A number of fake items were seized along with packaging materials for posting them.

Speaking after Lamerton was sentenced, Councillor Dave Downie, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities said: “These items were not only fake, but some were dangerous.

“Plymouth’s Trading Standards Officers work hard to protect people in Plymouth from unsafe goods. The products may look like the real thing, but were not and consumers can put their health at risk by using them.

“The level of lead in one sample was incredible. Legitimate companies comply with regulations that are designed to keep us safe but counterfeiters avoid costs incurred and the taxes by legitimate companies.”